Mardan aims for another 'upgrade'

Crans Montana, Switzerland, September 3: Singapore’s Maran Mamat is hoping for another pleasant surprise when he tees up at the Omega European Masters which starts on Thursday.The 45-year-old got his week off to a good start when he received a free upgrade to business class on Singapore Airlines.He now believes it could be a sign of better things to come as he bids to improve his record and hopefully notch his fourth Asian Tour win at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.“It’s always nice to come back to Switzerland to play in this prestigious event. I got upgraded to business class on my way here and maybe that’s a good sign for what is to come this week,” said Mardan.The Singaporean finished tied-49th at the Omega European Masters last year but is confident of a better showing at the only tournament on European soil to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.“I feel that I can do better than last year. There have been a few changes to the golf course since then but I believe I’m ready,” said Mardan.The Omega European Masters marks the start of the second half of the Asian Tour season and with a blockbuster schedule coming up, Mardan is relishing the challenges ahead.“I would like to finish inside the top-10 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit but before getting there, there’re still lots of hard work to be done and hopefully a good performance this week will kick start everything,” said Mardan.The Asian Tour will be represented by no fewer than 25 Asian Tour winners, including merit champions, India’s Jeev Milkha Singh and Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant and Thongchai Jaidee.The European Tour will feature the likes of Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, Italy's Matteo Manassero, Major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland, 2010 Omega European Masters champion Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain as well as Scotland's Paul Lawrie and Richie Ramsay who will be returning to defend his title.Ends.About the Asian TourIn 2013, the Asian Tour will celebrate a momentous milestone with its 10th season. As the official sanctioning body for professional golf in Asia, the Asian Tour leads the development of golf across the region, enhancing the careers of its members while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. The Asian Tour, through its membership of the International Federation of PGA Tours, is the only recognised pan-Asian professional golf tour in Asia. This unique feature positions the Asian Tour at the pinnacle of professional golf in Asia; providing its events with Official World Ranking status. Tour Partners include Abacus (Official Apparel Partner), Canon (Official Imaging Partner), Inetol Headwear (Official Headwear Supplier), Singha Beer (Official Beer), Srixon (Official Ball), Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Official Hotels and Resorts), Subway Restaurants (Official Quick Service Restaurant) and Rolex (Official Timekeeper). The Asian Tour has offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Also, visit us at www.asiantour.com, www.facebook.com/asiantourgolf, www.twitter.com/asiantourgolf, www.youtube.com/theasiantour and www.weibo.com/asiantourgolf

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